Method and device for embedded SIM provisioning

Abstract

A method and an electronic device are provided for embedded SIM (eSIM) provisioning. The electronic device includes a first interface configured to transmit a request message for requesting a profile from a profile generation server, and to receive a plurality of packets associated with installation of the profile, in response to the request message; a processor configured to generate an image file from the plurality of packets; an authentication module configured to perform authentication with the profile generation server and authenticate an electronic device including an embedded SIM (eSIM); and a second interface configured to connect the server device to the electronic device, and to transmit the image file to the electronic device, if the electronic device is authenticated.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A server device comprising:
 a first interface configured to transmit a request message for requesting a profile from a profile generation server, and to receive a plurality of packets associated with installation of the profile, in response to the request message; 
 a processor configured to generate an image file from the plurality of packets; 
 an authentication module configured to perform authentication with the profile generation server and authenticate an electronic device including an embedded SIM (eSIM); and 
 a second interface configured to transmit the image file to the electronic device, if the electronic device is authenticated. 
 
     
     
       2. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the first interface is further configured to transmit a request message for requesting a plurality of profiles, and to receive a plurality of packets corresponding to the plurality of profiles. 
     
     
       3. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the authentication module is further configured to authenticate the electronic device using a pre-defined key set or a jig. 
     
     
       4. The server device of  claim 1 , further comprising a profile management module configured to manage at least one of installation, deletion, activation, and inactivation of the profile. 
     
     
       5. The server device of  claim 4 , wherein the profile management module is further configured to transmit a plurality of packets transmitted from the profile generation server to the electronic device in an over the air (OTA) manner. 
     
     
       6. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the second interface is further configured to transmit a command permitting the electronic device to enter a test profile installation mode. 
     
     
       7. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the request message comprises at least one of a profile identifier (ID), an amount of the profile, mobile network operator (MNO) information, an ID of the profile generation server, and a profile type. 
     
     
       8. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the first interface is further configured to receive the plurality of packets from the profile generation server using a dedicated line. 
     
     
       9. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the second interface is further configured to transmit the image file to the electronic device using a wired cable. 
     
     
       10. The server device of  claim 1 , wherein the authentication module is further configured to authenticate the profile generation server using a pre-defined key set. 
     
     
       11. An embedded SIM (eSIM) provisioning method comprising:
 transmitting a request message for requesting a profile; 
 receiving a plurality of packets associated with installation of a profile, from a profile generation server, in response to the request message; 
 generating an image file corresponding to the profile from the plurality of packets; 
 authenticating an electronic device including an eSIM and on which the profile is to be installed; and 
 transmitting the image file to the electronic device, if the electronic device is authenticated. 
 
     
     
       12. The eSIM provisioning method of  claim 11 , wherein the request message is for requesting a plurality of profiles, and
 wherein receiving the plurality of packets comprises receiving a plurality of packets corresponding to the plurality of profiles. 
 
     
     
       13. The eSIM provisioning method of  claim 11 , further comprising transmitting a command permitting the electronic device to enter a test profile installation mode. 
     
     
       14. The eSIM provisioning method of  claim 11 , further comprising managing at least one of installation, deletion, activation, and inactivation of the profile. 
     
     
       15. The eSIM provisioning method of  claim 11 , wherein the request message comprises at least one of a profile identifier (ID), an amount of the profile, mobile network operator (MNO) information, an ID of a profile generation server, and a profile type. 
     
     
       16. An electronic device comprising:
 an authentication module configured to authenticate a server transmitting a profile to the electronic device; 
 a memory configured to store data received from the server authenticated by the authentication module; 
 an embedded SIM (eSIM) on which the profile is installed; and 
 a processor configured to initiate a process of installing the profile on the eSIM using an image file, based on whether an input event is received. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the processor is further configured to receive authentication information processed by the authentication module as the input event. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the processor is further configured to identify a type of the received data as the input event. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising an input/output interface configured to receive a user input associated with installation of the profile,
 wherein the processor is further configured to receive the user input as the input event. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein if the input event is not received, the processor is further configured to install the profile, based on a plurality of packets received from the server.